Semantic feature modelling

Almost all current feature modelling systems are parametric, history-based modelling systems. These systems suffer from a number of shortcomings with regard to the modelling process. In particular, they lack a complete specification of feature semantics, and therefore fail to maintain the meaning of the features during modelling. Also, modelling operations sometimes are hampered by the model history, and occasionally even have ill-defined semantics. In the semantic feature modelling approach presented here, the semantics of features is well defined and maintained during all modelling operations. The result of these operations is independent of the order of feature creation, and is well defined. The specification of feature classes, the structure and functionality of the feature model, in particular the Cellular Model, and the model validity maintenance scheme are described. The advantages and disadvantages of the approach, compared to current feature modelling approaches, are pointed out. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.